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Health Library Home>Conditions InDepth>Article

Conditions InDepth: Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)

by Ricker Polsdorfer, MD
En Español (Spanish Version)
Main Page
Risk Factors
Symptoms
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Treatment
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Resource Guide

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to attain or maintain an erection of the penis that is firm enough for penetration during sexual intercourse. The condition is also called impotence. To initiate and maintain an erection, the penis must fill with blood. Nerve signals stimulate this blood fill. The nerves prompt certain blood vessels in the penis to expand so blood can fill it. Meanwhile, other blood vessels constrict, trapping blood inside.

Male Genitourinary System

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

The following factors can cause erectile dysfunction:

Venous Leak

Veins are compressed when blood fills the penis. This will help trap the blood in the penis. If these veins are not fully compressed, then blood can leave the penis. The inability to keep blood in the penis will make it difficult to reach or keep an erection. The compression of the veins may not occur, or may be weaker than it should if the blood vessels that are supposed to fill do not fill enough. Blood vessels may not fill enough because of injury or disease.

Neurovascular Function

An erection cannot be attained if nerve signals do not prompt blood vessels to do their job or if blood flow to the penis is reduced. Nerve problems can also diminish feeling in the penis, resulting in dysfunction.

Many medications can cause erectile dysfunction by impairing either blood vessel or nerve function.

Medical conditions can also have the same effect. Examples include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hardening of the arteries—arteriosclerosis
  • Nerve damage that causes numbness and tingling in the extremities— peripheral neuropathy
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Surgery

Psychological Factors:

Psychological factors account for 10%-15% of erectile dysfunction cases. The brain initiates many of the nerve signals required for a successful erection. Problems in your relationship, feelings of guilt associated with sex, depression, anxiety, and stress can all lead to erectile dysfunction

What are the risk factors for erectile dysfunction?
What are the symptoms of erectile dysfunction?
How is erectile dysfunction diagnosed?
What are the treatments for erectile dysfunction?
Are there screening tests for erectile dysfunction?
How can I reduce my risk of erectile dysfunction?
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Where can I get more information about erectile dysfunction?
REFERENCES:

Definition & facts for erectile dysfunction. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunction/definition-facts. Accessed January 29, 2021.

Erectile dysfunction. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113875/Erectile-dysfunction. Accessed January 29, 2021.

Rew KT, Heidelbaugh JJ. Erectile dysfunction. Am Fam Physician. 2016;94(10):820-827.

What is erectile dysfunction? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/erectile-dysfunction. Accessed January 29, 2021.

Last reviewed March 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD  Last Updated: 1/29/2021

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.

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4600 38th Street
P.O. Box 1800
Columbus, Nebraska 68602-1800
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